Return.
- August 3, 2018
- Breadmeat
"Return." is a single-player action game featuring stunning visuals and immersive music. As the lost soul, your journey is to find your way back home while battling enemies and overcoming obstacles. With its fast-paced gameplay and engaging storyline, "Return." offers a unique and captivating gaming experience.
PC
Reviews
- The game features beautiful graphics and a charming aesthetic that many players find appealing.
- The soundtrack and sound design contribute to a relaxing and immersive atmosphere.
- It's a short and sweet experience, making it a good option for a quick gaming session.
- The gameplay can be frustrating due to slow camera movement and punishing jump mechanics.
- Players often experience excessive downtime between deaths, which can disrupt the flow of the game.
- The game is very short, leaving some players wanting more in terms of content and gameplay depth.
- graphics18 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their aesthetic appeal, featuring a cute and retro design that enhances the overall experience. While many players appreciate the beautiful visuals and music, some express disappointment with the gameplay mechanics and pacing, suggesting that the graphics are the standout feature in an otherwise frustrating experience. Overall, the game's visuals create a charming atmosphere, though they may not compensate for gameplay shortcomings.
“Honestly a little disappointed, the graphics and music are amazing and they create this adorable look but the screen moves really slowly and after finishing the game I was kinda left with a 'that's it?'”
“Gorgeous aesthetic.”
“Amazingly chilling short platformer with great visuals.”
“And the graphic design makes my eyes water with that coloring and blurry design... not good for our eyesight, that's for sure.”
“I bought the full game so I could write a review, and because of the graphics.”
“Review rates as 'thumbs up', but it's more of a neutral and impartial experience from me, with the exception of the graphics (as mentioned above).”
- music12 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and unique qualities, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere and experience. Reviewers appreciate the soundtrack's ability to evoke emotions, with some noting its dream-like and slightly eerie vibes. While the graphics and sound design are also highlighted as impressive, the music stands out as a key element that enhances the game's charm.
“I adore this game's soundtrack and atmosphere.”
“The title screen music sounds a little like something by Boards of Canada.”
“Love the style and music in this game, slightly eerie and dream-like vibes!”
“It's unique in terms of feel, and genuinely thought-provoking in terms of theming as a whole, and also the soundtrack and sound design play a key part in this as well.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the cute visuals and unique mechanics, while others find the frequent deaths and waiting periods frustrating. Although it offers a challenging platforming experience, the controls and pacing may deter those looking for a smoother experience. Overall, the aesthetic appeal is praised, but the gameplay mechanics could benefit from refinement.
“I might come back to this one, but if you like a tough platformer with an interesting auto scroll and jump mechanic, hit this one up.”
“A main mechanic in the game is waiting, which is a pain for an impatient person like me, but I still enjoyed all of it--yes even the numerous deaths.”
“Fun game, the aesthetic combines really well with the simplistic mechanics.”
“Another inferior side scrolling indie game with awful, gimmicky jump controls and mechanics.”
“A main mechanic in the game is waiting, which is a pain for an impatient person like me, but I still enjoyed all of it—yes, even the numerous deaths.”
“This game is honestly nice, kinda annoying dying multiple times and having to wait a bit to finally move, but I liked it. Visually and aesthetically it's really nice and cute, though I wish there was more to it in terms of gameplay and story.”
- story5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's story revolves around the simple premise of guiding a lost soul home, but many players feel it lacks depth and complexity. While the visuals and aesthetics are praised, the narrative is considered minimal, with some reviewers wishing for a more engaging storyline. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable despite its narrative shortcomings.
“Return is a story about bringing a lost soul home, do that and you complete the game.”
“Though I liked it, I wish there was more to it in terms of gameplay and story.”
“It's a nice platformer with some faults in it, even if it doesn't have major lore or a dark story.”
“Return is a story about bringing a lost soul home; do that and you complete the game.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its surreal quality and nostalgic VHS feel, complemented by an engaging soundtrack. Reviewers appreciate the slow pacing, which enhances the immersive experience.
“I adore this game's soundtrack and atmosphere.”
“Because the general atmosphere is what I'd say makes it a return.”
“Because the general atmosphere is what I'd say makes the game memorable.”
“The overall atmosphere was sort of surreal, had a VHS feel to it, but was very slow (in a good way).”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players indicate that grinding in the game can be quite demanding, often requiring significant time investment, suggesting that it may feel like a second life is needed to progress effectively.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
